At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial advice, manage budgets, and support decision-making across the Council.
- Company: Join a supportive Council committed to professional development and community impact.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for growth and a positive work environment.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or part-qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The role involves providing expert financial advice and support, maintaining accurate accounting records, managing budgets, training staff, and developing business cases to inform decision‑making across the Council.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert financial advice and support to managers across the Council.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and complete financial statements, grant claims, and returns.
- Build strong business partnering relationships with service managers.
- Deliver training and coaching to improve financial skills and budget management.
- Support the development of reports, business cases, and options papers ensuring financial implications are clear and accurate.
What We’re Looking For
- Fully qualified AAT or part‑qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant.
- Strong technical knowledge of accounting standards and practices.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
- Evidence of experience in finance roles within a public sector context is desirable.
Benefits
This is a permanent role with a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a real impact on Council services.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including candidates identified as disabled, aged 24 and under, and armed forces veterans.
Principal Finance Officer - CMB2507e in Carlisle employer: Cumberland Council
As a Principal Finance Officer with us, you will thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises professional development and inclusivity. Our commitment to diversity ensures that all employees, regardless of background, can contribute meaningfully to the Council's services while enjoying a collaborative work culture that fosters growth and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer - CMB2507e in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in public services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of accounting standards. We recommend practising common interview questions related to financial advice and budget management to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong business partnerships with service managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer - CMB2507e in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in finance roles, especially within the public sector. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Principal Finance Officer role.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications, whether you're fully AAT qualified or part-qualified CCAB/CIMA. We’re looking for that strong technical knowledge, so don’t hold back on showcasing it!
Highlight Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key, include examples of how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial managers. We love seeing those business partnering relationships in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical knowledge of accounting standards. Brush up on key financial principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role involves providing expert financial advice to managers across the Council. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Practising clear and concise explanations will help you stand out as a candidate who can bridge the gap between finance and other departments.
✨Demonstrate Your Training Experience
Since delivering training and coaching is part of the job, think of specific instances where you've trained or mentored others in financial skills. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will highlight your ability to develop others and improve overall budget management within the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in a public sector context. Think about past challenges you've faced in finance roles and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to follow your thought process.
